How to Prepare an Old or High Mileage Car for a Road Trip

Road trips are a common experience for newly graduated teenagers, for adults seeking themselves, or for tourists looking for an inexpensive way to tour the country. Because cars are an expensive investment, most vehicles have moderate to high mileage, and may be worrisome for those who are planning the trip. Renting a car may not be an option, however, so ensuring that your vehicle is road-ready is essential.

Tires

Never take bald or heavily worn tires on a road trip. Not only will they cause the vehicle to shake and riding roughly, but they may blow out if put under heavy stress. New tires are a small expense compared to having a vehicle towed.

Fluids

You should replace all the fluids and filters before leaving, and top off fluids that aren't commonly changed, such as wiper fluid and antifreeze. Always give the vehicle a new oil change and filter, and do the same with the transmission fluid and filter. While you're replacing filters, you should also check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Sensors

You should consider having the main sensors in the vehicle tested to make sure that they are still functional. If the oxygen sensor has never been replaced and the car has experienced a reduction in gas mileage, consider purchasing a new one.

Belts

The serpentine belt, fan belt, and timing belt are vulnerable to wear and tear, and should be replaced regularly. If your vehicle has over 100k miles on it and still has the original belts, consider having them replaced before leaving on a high-mileage trip.

Cooling

The cooling system, which includes the water pump, the water pump's upper and lower hoses, the radiator, and the thermostat, are absolutely essential to a road trip, as driving long miles will make the car heat up greatly. Some vehicles, such as certain Jeeps, have a plastic radiator, which should be swapped out with a metal one. A radiator is the most expensive part, with a typical cost of $100 or more, so many people avoid replacing them. If you can't afford to replace the radiator, consider erasing the water pump, hoses, and thermostat, as none of them are particularly expensive.

Brakes

Brakes are an essential part of the vehicle, and the reasons are obvious. Without them, you cannot stop your vehicle. Worn brakes are dangerous, as they may fail and will cause a horrid screeching sound. Have your brakes checked when you take your car to be aligned or have the tires rotated. If the brakes are worn to any degree, consider changing at least the brake pads, but also look at the rotors and replace them if they are rusted or gouged.

Cap and Rotor

The distributor cap needs to be replaced periodically, and should be replaced if it is showing signs of its age or is old. Also consider replacing the rotor (the small black piece of plastic inside the distributor), as it is inexpensive. If you can't afford to replace it, pull it free and make sure the metal contact on the bottom is free of corrosion. If it is grimy, use a piece of sandpaper to sand it lightly.